Primary lead smelters operating rates rose slightly on week

SHANGHAI, Apr 9 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces rose slightly from the previous week to 58.9% in the week ended April 9, showed an SMM survey.

Smelters in Henan basically kept stable production. Henan Xinling cut output slightly this week due to tight raw materials supply, and is expected to return to normal operation next week.

The average operating rate in Hunan cruised higher as Shuikoushan and Guiyang Yinxing stepped up production. Jinxin slightly reduced production, while Jingui Silver resumed production partly.

The average operating rate in Yunnan declined as Chihong Zn & Ge started maintenance and Gejiu Chuangyuan has not fully restored production yet.

West Mining has already halted production as scheduled.